Pandemic Demands Research Articles

A research agenda to reflect reality: On being responsive

A research agenda to reflect reality: On being responsive

Exploring Access to Mental Health and Primary Care Services for People With Severe Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Restrictions.

AimsTo explore: how satisfied people with severe mental illness (SMI) are with the support received during the pandemic; understand any difficulties encountered when accessing both mental health and primary care services; consider ways to mitigate these difficulties; and assess the perceived need for future support from mental health services.Materials and MethodsA representative sample was drawn from a large transdiagnostic clinical cohort of people with SMI, which was recruited between April 2016 and March 2020. The sample was re-surveyed a few months after the beginning of the restrictions. Descriptive frequency statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The free text responses were analyzed thematically.Results367 participants responded to the survey. Two thirds were receiving support from mental health services with the rest supported in primary care or self-managing. A quarter thought they would need more mental health support in the coming year. Half had needed to used community mental health services during the pandemic and the majority had been able to get support. A minority reported that their mental health had deteriorated but they had either not got the supported they wanted or had not sought help. The biggest service change was the reduction in face-to-face appointments and increasing use of phone and video call support. Nearly half of those using mental health services found this change acceptable or even preferred it. However, acceptability was influenced by several factors, and participants were more likely to report that they had received all the support they needed, when seen in person.DiscussionAlthough most participants were satisfied with the mental health support they had received, a minority were not. This, couple with findings on future need for mental health support has implications for post pandemic demand on services. Remote care has brought benefits but also risks that it could increase inequalities in access to services.

AI, Equity, and the IP Gap

Artificial intelligence (AI) has helped determine vaccine recipients, prioritize emergency room admissions, and ascertain individual hires, sometimes doing so inequitably. As we emerge from the Pandemic, technological progress and efficiency demands continue to press all areas of the law, including intellectual property (IP) law, toward incorporating more AI into legal practice. This may be good when AI promotes economic and social justice in the IP system. However, AI may amplify inequity as biased developers create biased algorithms with biased inputs or rely on biased proxies. This Article argues that policymakers need to take a thoughtful and concerted approach to graft AI into IP law and practice if social justice principles of access, inclusion, and empowerment flow from their union. It explores what it looks like to obtain AI justice in the IP context and focuses on two areas where IP law impedes equitable AI-related outcomes. The first involves the civil rights concerns that stem from trade secrets blocking access and deflecting accountability in biased algorithms or data. The second concerns the patent and copyright doctrine biases perpetuating historical inequity in AI-augmented processes. The Article also ad- dresses how equity by design should look and provides a roadmap for implementing equity audits to mitigate bias. Finally, it briefly examines how AI would assist with adjudicating equitable IP law doctrines, which also tests the outer limits of what bounded AI processes can do.

COVID-19 and the nursing labor market: lessons learned by analogies between historical events.

to reflect on the impacts of Brazil's response to the COVID-19 pandemic demands on the nursing labor market in light of the recovery of experiences in the USA during the World War II. this is a discursive formulation, which discusses the nursing labor market, establishing analogies between historical events. measures implemented in the World War II by the USA are similar to those that the Brazilian Federal Government has adopted, and, as in the USA, such measures strongly affected both professional training and the nursing labor market. In Brazil, the measures can also deepen problems in the national nursing labor market, reverberating in precariousness. a better way to meet the demand for nursing workers can be with the existing supply of trained and available workers.

Prediction of Third Covid Wave in India using ARIMA Model

Whole world has been battling against the novel Covid19 pandemic that outbroke from Wuhan, China during Dec 2019. Like most other countries, India has also witnessed two Covid-19 waves with second one, during April-May 2021, being more lethal. Important lessons learnt while fighting against Covid pandemic demands never relax attitude until the fight against the pandemic is completely over. To achieve this India launched world’s biggest vaccination program. Continuous concerns are being expressed by different sections of health workers and the government regarding probable, and even more lethal, third wave in near future. Hence this work is undertaken to predict the possibility of third wave. Predictive analysis is based on progression of Covid-19 in the country thus far. Any such prediction shall offer multifaceted benefits in raising timely alarm for country to prepare itself and take measures to tap the onset of probable third wave. ARIMA model was selected for making prediction. Datasets provided by [1],[2] are utilized for the purpose. The model predicted that the latest spurt in Covid19 cases is expected to continue and grow over the remaining part of current year. This spurt can in certain probabilities lead to third Covid-19 wave around the months of Nov-Dec 2021. These predictions are though limited by the recent seroprevalence findings by ICMR and humongous vaccination drive that may retard the onset of third wave. Moreover, confined nature of recent spike (to southern Indian states, mainly Kerala) may mean that the geographical extent of current spurt is comparatively small to become a countywide wave.

Crafting Immunological Response Using Particulate Vaccines.

To achieve optimal immunogenicity, particulates present a promising vehicle for antigen delivery and have the potential to skew immune response. Particulate vaccine offers several advantages including targeting of antigen to sentinel cells, protection from degradation, sustained release, and itself acts an adjuvant mimics viral structure. Adjuvant presence is vital in overcoming the poor immunogenicity of vaccines, e.g., subunit vaccines. Adjuvants have antigen dose sparing potential and provide danger signals to alert the immune system. Various particulate carriers received attention in the delivery of vaccine antigens such as virus-like particles, liposomes, immunostimulating complexes, and polymeric particles. This review also discussed the properties of particles such as size, shape, and rigidity affecting the immunological outcome. It further highlights the cellular uptake of the particulate vaccine, antigen processing, and its presentation by antigen-presenting cells. For mass vaccination, especially in countries lacking resources, effect of storage temperature condition on stability of vaccine is pivotal. The current COVID-19 pandemic is not showing any signs of abatement and role of nanocarriers are highly relevant in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic as an effective immunization strategy. Eradication of pandemic demands the rapid evaluation of multiple approaches that can provides successful vaccination platform, enabling scalability and global distribution.

A new year, a new challenge, a new COVID-19 variant

It has been one year since the Coronavirus become a pandemic worldwide. Studies highlighted that various measures have been well conducted to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new COVID variant named Omicron which is initially reported in South Africa. As a result, the challenge is getting more difficult as viruses continuously mutate. The pandemic situation demand nurses to gain competencies in delivering innovative care for patients with COVID-19 infection.
 Keywords: COVID-19; Omicron; nursing services; health promotion; prevention; virus mutation

AN IMPACT ON QUALITY RELATED TO WORK LIFE AND ITS EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY DURING COVID-19

In highly globalized and competitive society, the work culture of the organization is much stressful due to the requirement of the highest level of performance for the sustenance in the market. The stack- holders (employees, employers, client’s customers, and consumers) increase productivity in organization when there is an excessive expectation which takes into the count of professional’s physical and mental well-being. Clear-cut of an equitable balance is better in work and life. Productive HR and Operations activities help the employees to work in addition which help them to not abandon their personal life. When there is an optimum productivity, minimum staff turnover, depletion in absenteeism and talent optimization then the organization would be in beneficial. In the Month of December 2019 due to Covid-19 virus attack there was a stressful time on the earth and it paralysed the social and economic development of the Earth. The professionals today are in the Covid-19 ERA. Latterly, Before COVID-19 ERA professionals were extremely well recognized and were in high demand. As there is rapidly new-fangled pandemic situation, Demand and supply chain and Job opportunity has totally collapsed. Individual started living their lives in the big threats. Purpose: To examine employee productivity during Covid 19 associated with the quality related to work life. Design/Methodology – In a context, a survey method was to analyse the efficacy and the quality related to work life in the COVID-19 which was used to furnish an outline of concept about the work life and its quality to efficacy during the COVID-19 period in India. Employee answered the question related to the productivity of employee and quality of work life and questions pertaining to culture, and different associated dimensions of quality of services. Finding – The Endowment of work-life program was neither properly implement nor discussed in firms. As far as the employee job satisfaction was concerned, the work-life increases the level of job satisfaction. The endowment of work-life brings the very positivechanges in the productivity of the firm. A model for QWL dimensions was proposed in this paper. Research Limitations/ implementation – The finding is based on the fact provided by the respondent at a specific time window of the study with limited respondent and sample is also convenient in my study and it has been not interpreted as observable .Practical implications - Now days the industry is becoming more competitive more ICT managed and technologically -driven and grater employee competence and quality of work culture will be required for many industries to survive.

Pandemic: Legal and Social Response

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the world and accelerated processes that could have taken decades without a pandemic. In this paper, the authors discuss the public and government responses to the new normal, nowadays reality, and most importantly, the legal regulations that have been enacted in different countries in response to the challenges. The paper discusses in detail issues related to security measures, social distance, gender issues, abortion, education and student mobility, employment, and entrepreneurship. A pandemic that has survived more than a year needs to be addressed. The decision-makers made efforts to create a provision for the influenza virus after it became prominent in society. The intention is not to be pessimistic but to be optimistic enough to create provisions for the future. Countries are aiming to achieve their commitments to recover from the pandemic. A pandemic demands a legal response as well as a social response. The research paper aimed to divert the attention of the readers to the untouched aspects of the law that are related to emergency situations, including pandemics. In the paper, we discuss the paradox of the pandemic, lockdown, and post-lock- down situations, as well as protests/riots, gender-based violence, healthcare, and education topics related to the changes that have taken place due to the pandemic.

Meeting the Challenges of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care: Lessons Learned From an International Perspective

The outbreak of COVID-19 is a major challenge for health care systems all over the world. Older residents of long-term-care facilities (LTCF) such as nursing homes (NH) are among those at highest risk for COVID-19 and comprise a population with dramatically higher rates of morbidity and mortality than the general community. NH staff are also affected by the pandemic as they are challenged by increased workloads, emotional burden caused by the loss of resident life, and the fear of becoming infecting themselves or infecting family members. Finally, the pandemic places emotional and practical demands upon informal carers who are involved in the life of the NH resident. Therefore, research should investigate different perspectives on LTCF during the pandemic and discuss major challenges and possible support structures and strategies. Such an understanding is necessary to optimize care, support post-pandemic recovery, and prepare for future public health challenges. This international symposium will therefore provide four presentations to address these issues. The first presentation will report on global mortality data associated with COVID-19 in LTCF. The second presentation reports on the situation in German NHs addressing the complex situation of morbidity, care dependency, and social isolation. The third presentation will describe the effects of the pandemic upon NH staff in Poland. The final presentation examines the impact and guidelines of allowing visitors in NHs in the Netherlands for residents, family caregivers and staff. Our discussant, Marie Boltz, will synthesize the research findings and lead a discussion of future directions for policy and practice.

Managing Digital Fundraising of Dompet Dhuafa During Covid-19 Pandemic

Covid-19 pandemic demands zakah institutions to avoid physical contact activities, and outlet openings in public places. A marketing communication strategy is needed to make humanitarian mission and empowerment as zakah institutions’ core products synergize to resolve pandemic social impacts. Dompet Dhuafa, as a zakah institution, has developed fundraising digitalization to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. This study describes fundraising digitalization as Dompet Dhuafa’s marketing communication strategy during the pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, it explores Dompet Dhuafa’s marketing communication strategy by literature study. Data are from Dompet Dhuafa’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, relevant research journals, and articles. In building effective marketing communications, a marketer must consider designing a message, selecting message media, and choosing message sources. The results indicate that Dompet Dhuafa designs a message in each shared content to motivate people to pay zakah and ask for goodness. The message format is adjusted to message media in headlines, text, colors, and shapes. The message conclusion is generally conveyed in clear and strong arguments. Message media used are in digital-based personal and non-personal communication channels. Message sources are selected based on the conveyed messages.

Nucleocapsid (N) Gene Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 Can Affect Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic and Impact False-Negative Results.

The current COVID-19 pandemic demands massive testing by Real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the virus continues to evolve with mutations that lead to phenotypic alterations as higher transmissibility, pathogenicity or vaccine evasion. Another big issue are mutations in the annealing sites of primers and probes of RT-PCR diagnostic kits leading to false-negative results. Therefore, here we identify mutations in the N (Nucleocapsid) gene that affects the use of the GeneFinder COVID-19 Plus RealAmp Kit. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 17 positive samples with no N gene detection but with RDRP (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) and E (Envelope) genes detection, and observed a set of three different mutations affecting the N detection: a deletion of 18 nucleotides (Del28877-28894), a substitution of GGG to AAC (28881-28883) and a frameshift mutation caused by deletion (Del28877-28878). The last one cause a deletion of six AAs (amino acids) located in the central intrinsic disorder region at protein level. We also found this mutation in 99 of the 14,346 sequenced samples by the Sao Paulo state Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, demonstrating the circulation of the mutation in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Continuous monitoring and characterization of mutations affecting the annealing sites of primers and probes by genomic surveillance programs are necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Measuring Malaysian Public Sector Innovation Performance through Business Model Perspective

Public Sectors around the world face constant demand in increasing efficiency and productivity. The pressure to improve service delivery particularly during this pandemic demands the public sector to provide more with less. Being subjected to mandates from the government, public scrutiny and compliance to legal system, public sector organisations are in constant pressure to perform above average, reform outdated process and deliver the best results with fewer resources. Adding to this, increasing demand has become the general expectation where the needs for customisable services based on the current lifestyle of the civil society or described as the “24/7 society” requires services to be available and accessible at all times. Therefore, public sector innovation agenda often focused in national level policy and initiatives. However, the innovation landscape remains an understudied terrain especially in Malaysian Public Sector. Capitalising on little existing insights, this study further expands the knowledge base by analysing underlying driving factors in innovation performance measurement from a Business Model Perspective for a more contemporary model discovery. Utilising Structural Equation Modelling technique, this study analysed responds from 328 middle managers within government agencies and organisation and revealed that the Malaysian Public Sector innovation management still depends on innovation capabilities both as a factor and mediator in influencing innovation performance greater than innovation management which has been the focus. The study found that there is a dire need for an organisation level model to improve the innovation performance in public sector agencies by focusing on both innovation capabilities and innovation management to ensure an excellent governance and delivery system being implemented effectively.

Assessment of Quality of Life Among Health Professionals During COVID-19: Review.

In 2019, coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) influences the quality of life of health personnel who are on the front lines in dealing with COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of life of health professionals during the COVID-19 epidemic. The novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread across the globe with the direct causal viral agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and infected many people. All health professionals (HPs) such as physicians, nurses, and other allied health staff members are primary caregivers in hospitals and other health care settings, specifically under pandemic situations such as COVID-19. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous diversions in the preservation of the quality of life (QoL) of health professionals by deviations from normal physical, mental, and social wellbeing aspects. HPs are the most vulnerable population to COVID-19 viral transmission while delivering emergency medical services to persons infected with the virus in various health care sectors, such as direct engagement in lifesaving management. In this perspective, some recent literature on QoL of health professionals was examined, uncovering that they frequently experience fear and anxiety due to viral transmissions in the place of work and probable cross-contamination among family members, tend to experience insomnia caused by sudden increased work pressure, struggle to balance professional and personal life, suffering from mental health disturbances such as depressive episodes, mood disturbances, and suicidal tendencies due to the unpredictability of the disease outbreak. The current review is looking to determine and address the degree of QoL maintained by specific types of health professionals during critical moments of COVID-19 pandemics. This study may assist health organization stakeholders in enhancing QoL among health professionals by introducing required provisions, measures, or initiatives for the welfare of health professionals, notably in resolving pandemic demands in all health organizations.

Implementasi Digital Receptionist berbasis Web dan Android

Along with the rapid development of Information Technology and its wide application to various aspects or fields of business, information technology has also been widely used by industry or other organizations. Its utilization aims to facilitate users and provide efficiency in a business field in carrying out its activities. The situation of the coronavirus pandemic demands that we optimally not come into contact with other people or keep our distance. From the facts, many companies or offices still carry out manual receptions using receptionist services which will result in guests having to change their identities to get office access, and the high level of information technology facilities and infrastructure is not matched by the awareness of the Indonesian people to use them optimally. From these problems, the researcher proposes research as an alternative solution in the form of designing web and Android application systems to replace the receptionist function or what is called Digital Receptionist using a structured approach, Design Method, PHP, and MYSQL with web and android based application development. The results achieved are expected to be able to avoid touching hands or keep a distance and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the guest reception process. The conclusion obtained is that with this Digital Receptionist system, besides being able to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the guest reception process and avoid touching hands or keeping a distance

The Effect of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS)Training on The Public Awareness of New Habitual Adaptations (NHA): A Pilot Research

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic has a physical impact and on the mental health condition of the community. The existence of psychological distress due to the Covid 19 pandemic will affect the body's physiological conditions, such as reduced immune system responses and increased risk of infection, and the impact on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic demands a change in people's behavior. Mental health and psychosocial support training is very important for the community so that the community can actively maintain mental and physical health. The research objective is to identify the effect of DKJPS training on awareness of new adaptation readiness<strong>. Method:</strong> The research was conducted through a quasi-experimental pre-post-test without control on 44 participants in the DKJPS training. <strong>Result: </strong>there is a significant difference between awareness of adaptation new habits before and after training (p-value 0.001). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mental health and psychosocial support training conducted in the community can increase public awareness of new adaptation habits independently<strong>.</strong></p>

A pathway towards healthy and naturally ventilated indoor built environment through phase change material and insulation techniques for office buildings in India

The thermal comfort of occupants is a necessary requirement for any building. The present pandemic demands us to opt for natural ventilation over air-conditioned spaces to reduce the spread of the infection. This work aims to prevent air-conditioner usage in a commercial building in India during daytime office hours while simultaneously enhancing the thermal comfort of the building occupants through natural ventilation/Phase Change Material (PCM)/insulation techniques. Four building configurations, such as Building A (conventional building with no PCM and no insulation), Building B (building-integrated with PCM), Building C (building-integrated with insulation) and Building D (building-integrated with PCM and insulation) were analysed for various locations using DesignBuilder software. From the results, it is understood that insulation integration is recommended for locations with average nighttime temperatures greater than 27°C, while PCM integration is recommended for locations with an average nighttime temperature less than 27°C during the summer season. Also, nighttime cooling of the building through an air-conditioner is necessary for all locations during summer to maintain adequate thermal comfort with natural ventilation in the daytime. Finally, an appropriate PCM/insulation technique is recommended for an office building located in each location that falls under each type of climate. Hence, the selection of PCM/insulation technique is to be made based on the specific site conditions.

Global Innovation Trends for Plant-Based Vaccines Production: A Patent Analysis.

The use of plants as biofactories for the production of medical products and vaccines has a long history, but the recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused this set of technologies, for their potential to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for tackling pandemic spread worldwide, to rise in prominence. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the global innovation scenario of plant-based vaccine production. Methods: Patent search using a specific set of technical classification codes and keywords was performed using the Questel-Orbit database, with a final output of 180 patent families, corresponding to 1397 single patents. Results: Plant-based vaccines production is an innovation sector with positive development especially in the last five-year period (30% growth). Fifty percent of the patents were registered in the United States, standing out as the most attractive patent system worldwide. The inventive activity was led by private firms owning the 49% of the patent families, and the key-players group includes the companies that successfully developed plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates, indicating a strong connection between the expertise in innovation production and the capacity to adapt inventions to the current pandemic vaccine demand. Virus-like particles technology has increased in importance over the past few years. Conclusion: Patent data confirm their relevant role as indicators of innovation and technological evolution. Plant-based vaccines are expected to acquire an increasing role over the next few years as the current pandemic acts as an innovation catalyst.

Nurse practitioners’ perception of temporary full practice authority during a COVID-19 surge: A qualitative study

BackgroundAt the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, 22 state governors temporarily waived physician supervision of nurse practitioners to expand access to health care during the state of emergency. ObjectiveWe examined the nurse practitioner perception of the simultaneous scope of practice changes and the exigent pandemic demands during the initial COVID-19 surge in Massachusetts. MethodsQualitative descriptive design using content analysis of open-ended responses to a web-based survey of Massachusetts nurse practitioners conducted in May & June 2020. ResultsSurvey response rate was 40.6 percent (N = 389). Content analysis identified four themes including: 1) State waivers enabled more control over practice and more expedited care, 2) State waiver did not change practice either because of pre-established independence or employers not changing policy, 3) Perception of nurse practitioner role as both versatile and disposable and 4) Telehealth increased access to care and created an autonomous setting. ConclusionsAlthough findings suggest fewer barriers in some areas, the temporary removal of state-level restrictions alone is not sufficient to achieve immediate full scope of practice for nurse practitioners. There is a need for regulatory frameworks that optimize the capacity of the advanced practice nursing workforce to respond to global health emergencies. US-based policymakers and healthcare organizations should revise outdated scope of practice policies and capitalize on telehealth technology to utilize the full extent of nurse practitioners. Likewise, nursing leaders should be a voice for nurse practitioners to more effectively and safely maximize the nurse practitioner contribution during emergency responses. In countries where the role is under development, regulators can leverage these findings to establish modernized nurse practitioner scope of practice policies from the outset.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions’ Determinants: New Empirical Evidence from Quasi-Poisson and Negative Binomial Regression Models

The cross-border movement of capital has suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic since December 2019. Nevertheless, it is unrealistic for multinational companies to withdraw giant global value chains (GVCs) overnight because of the pandemic. Instead, active discussions and achievements of deals in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are expected in the post-COVID-19 era among various other market entry modes, considering the growing demand in high technologies in societies. This paper analyzes particular determinants of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) during the pandemic year (2020) based on cross-sectional datasets by employing quasi-Poisson and negative binomial regression models. According to the empirical evidence, COVID-19 indices do not hamper M&A deals in general. This indicates that managerial capabilities of the coronavirus, not the outbreak itself, determined locational decisions of M&A deals during the pandemic. In this vein, it is expected that the vaccination rate will become a key factor of locational decision for M&A deals in the near future. Furthermore, countries that have been outstanding in coping with COVID-19 and thus serve as a good example for other nations may seize more opportunities to take a leap forward. In addition, as hypothesized, the results present positive and significant associations with M&A deals and the SDG index, confirming the resource-based theory of internationalization. In particular, the achievement of SDGs seems to exercise much influence in developing countries for M&A bidders during the pandemic year. This indicates that the pandemic demands a new zeitgeist that pursues growth while resolving existing but disregarded environmental issues and cherishes humanitarian values, for all countries, non-exceptionally, standing at the start line of the post-COVID-19 era.